"Unlike the (common) view, the priesthood is not power given to men to bless, lead, teach, and consecrate. In Orthodoxy, all of these powers belong to Christ alone. It is Christ who baptizes, consecrates, and blesses. The bishop and priest is only Christ’s material representative through whom Christ does all of the work. That’s why we Orthodox kiss the priest’s hand. We’re not kissing the priest; we’re kissing Christ. The reverse is also true. As Christians, members of the Body of Christ, we carry Christ within us. When the priest greets us, he’s greeting Christ. This is why St. Seraphim of Sarov would greet everyone by calling them ‘My Joy!’. He saw the face of Christ in every person who came to him." --An anonymous Orthodox Christian
Posted on: Sun, 11 Aug 2013 02:16:09 +0000